Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 23
A conglomeration of 5 tribe bodies of Nagaland has appealed to the Prime Minister of India for resuming work on the stalled 329 km SARDP-NE (Special Accelerated Road Development Programme – North-East) project in Nagaland.
The over Rs. 1000 crore 2-lane road project covers 4 sections: Mon-Tamlu-Merangkong, Longleng-Changtongya, Phek-Pfutsero and Chakabama-Zunheboto and was sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) in early 2011.
Subsequently, earth-cutting work had started only to come to an abrupt halt in June 2012 for undisclosed reasons.
The half-done work has left the stated sections of roads in deplorable conditions; turning into sludge tracks during the monsoon and dust bowls during the dry season. While the project touches six districts, overall, the roads in question act as vital links within the state.
Considering the significance of the roads, 5 tribe bodies, namely: Phom People’s Council, Sumi Hoho, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Ao Senden and Konyak Union through a joint memorandum has sought the Prime Minister’s attention for resumption and early completion of the project. The memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Nagaland on June 23 in Dimapur to be forwarded to the Prime Minister.
As per the memorandum, the work halted and could not be resumed pending non-approval of “Revised Estimate” by the MoRTH submitted by the company – M/S Maytas-Gayatri (Joint Venture). While stating that numerous public representations to the authorities to revive the project have not had the desired impact, the memorandum said that “the affected parties” filed a Public Interest Litigation in court.
“That after a gap of more than 2 years (which was learnt to be the grace period given to the authorities to approve and sanction the Revised Estimate of the Project) the Honourable Court had appointed an Independent Commissioner with direction to submit a detail report to the court after site inspection.” Consequent to the submission of the inspection report sometime in 2015, the PIL was disposed by the court through an order dated October 13, 2015; while directing “the respondents to do the needful within a month’s time,” it stated.
Despite this, the memorandum maintained that there has been no visible reaction till date to resume the work.
While stating that hardship of the people should not be ignored, the memorandum said: “Revised Estimate with higher Schedule of Rates had been approved by the Ministry” in other NE states. Terming it as a “clear case of discrimination”, the memorandum nevertheless expressed hope that this time appeal of the people will be acknowledged.
Further stating that “the undersigned will be compelled to take our own course of action” if the matter is not attended with urgency, it added, “and in such eventuality the Government shall be held solely responsible.”
Governor assures memo will reach PM
The Governor, PB Acharya responding to the signatories of the memorandum stated that it will be forwarded to the Prime Minister immediately. Expressing his concern over the points mentioned in the memorandum, the Governor wondered as to what could have possibly compelled the company to halt the work midway and why the approval of the reported “Revised Estimate” is being delayed. “Either it is a fraud company or we gave them trouble,” the Governor remarked when no plausible explanation was forthcoming.
Raising concern on the corruption prevalent, he held that the people should voice out to curb any form of malpractice detrimental to public good. According to him, development funds from the Centre are “flowing in freely” only with little or no visible result on the ground.
The signatories later queried as to what is dogging the SARDP-NE project replied, “We’re not concerned with what might be the internal problem. All we want is the completion (of the project).”
